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Hundreds of students cheer at Old Dominion University basketball game for annual Education Day

Posted at 10:19 AM, Nov 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-20 18:34:10-05

NORFOLK, Va. -- Norfolk Public School children took over Old Dominion University Wednesday as they crowded Chartway Arena for the university's annual Educational Day game

In its ninth year, the annual event invites school children from across Norfolk to enjoy an ODU Women's Basketball game and a free lunch.

“The kids think our players are superstars. They want autographs, they want pictures," Brittany Young, the team's assistant coach, said.

The team faced off against the Winthrop Eagles. They entered the game after defeating Auburn 89-77.

“These kids come from different home environments and you’re not sure what they get," Young said. "When they come here for two hours, we feed them lunch and have a chance to scream, go crazy, dance and it also gives us a little support in the meantime.”

The players cheered on the players as they came out of the locker room with the cheerleaders leading the way with banners. Playing in front of the children was personal for the team.

“Our players were once in their shoes, so we take a lot of pride in performing in a way to make them proud," Young said.

The mascot also walked around to get the crowd hyped. ODU's Women's Basketball team defeated the Eagles 68-44.